The Drawing Power of God

"The hand of our God is upon all those that seek him for good."—Ezra 8:22 (Leeser)

Robert Goodman

The prophet Ezra lays down a basic premise when he states that the hand of God is upon all those who seek him for good. But how does the hand, or power, of God work to accomplish his goal?

The Evidences of God

Throughout all generations men have looked to the heavens on dark nights and witnessed the splendor of the handiwork of God. Even before man had a scientific comprehension of the nature of the universe, he knew that it must have been created by a vastly superior power. This is noted time after time in the records of every ancient culture which looked to the heavens. Man observed the stars, moon, and planets by night and the wonders of nature surrounding him by the light of day.

On spring days, when men look upon the fields turning back the stark barrenness of winter to bring forth the fresh growth and flowers which blanket the fields, do not all somehow comprehend in their hearts that this is a gift of God? The psalmist declares: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork" (Psa. 19:1). With the explosion of scientific knowledge, we realize that all nature testifies to the glory of God.

When a father and mother experience the miracle of childbirth, they realize in their hearts that this wonderful thing is not just of themselves but so far and beyond their comprehension and ability that it must be from a much greater power. The evidences of God’s existence and his power super abound for the observant in every facet of life. As the scriptures declare: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psa. 14:1). In the fiber of man’s being is a belief in a far greater power. Yet, as generation after generation wilts and succumbs to the corruption of the grave, the question arises: What is the meaning of life? Those who seek to find the answer to this question in the context of their own fallen humanity, fail; and so the question continues generation after generation and century after century. Those who believe that they have the answer in terms of their own natural intellect and reasoning power lack answers that are satisfactory with regards to the broader experience of mankind. The key is that those who seek the answers to life’s question must do so in acknowledgment of the wisdom and power of the grand Creator. "The commencement of wisdom is the fear [reverence] of the LORD; and the knowledge of the Most Holy One is understanding" (Prov. 9:10 Leeser).

The religions and philosophies men devise to address their need to know and commune with God are as varied as their cultures. These are based on the cunning and intellect of fallen, imperfect minds along with the delusion of the great Deceiver. As King Solomon stated in Proverbs 28:26, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool." Many of these "religions" make the mistake of worshiping the creation and not the creator. This was the mistake of those described in Romans 1:25, "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator."

In contrast, Judaism and Christianity are based on the communion, ordinances, and worship of the true and living God. King Darius acknowledged this fact when, after Daniel was delivered from the lions’ den, Darius’ own lips declared: "I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever" (Dan. 6:26).

Discerning God

The key to the drawing power of God was laid forth in Hebrews 11:6 where we read: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him." We see that this is a two step process; first, belief in God as evidenced by faith, and second, a desire to earnestly seek the true God.

Belief in God is first comprehended by observing his creation. Then it depends on the drawing power of God to seek out the wisdom of the Almighty. It is not based on the wisdom of men since imperfect man could not adequately comprehend the nature of God, as evidenced by the failings of all religions. The Apostle Paul laid forth this principle in 1 Corinthians 2:5 where he wrote, "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." In addition, other principles enter in; God knows the beginning and the end and can read the hearts of men.

Not all at this time have the desire to believe in and seek the Almighty, and yet many seek to live a righteous and godly life. On the first reading, the words of the Master in his sermon on the mount might seem confounding and discouraging when he states: "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matt. 7:14). How then is one drawn to God? The answer, we believe, is given by the statement that he is seeking out a people for "his own purpose" (2 Tim. 1:9). This is a selection and separating process that began when he appeared "in the presence of God for us" (Heb. 9:24). This drawing is also described elsewhere in the scriptures as a "calling."

This "calling" is based on God’s ability to read the heart condition and touch those who now have the potential to do his will. The vast majority do not (at this time) have the will or perception to hear the call or the determination to answer it. But we are comforted in the fact that the great majority has been provided for in the kingdom phase of God’s comprehensive plan. Those who are called, however, are drawn by a combination of faith and knowledge, interacting and growing over time through the power of the holy spirit.

Building Up in The Faith

Faith starts with a feeling or innate belief, but it must progress beyond this. Usually these feelings are the result of the experiences that the Lord permits in the lives of all of Adam’s fallen race. But the fruitage in faith-building experiences is based on the heart condition of each individual. Like the seed, if the experience falls on barren ground (an unreceptive heart), there is no fruitage. But if the seed falls on fertile ground with proper conditions and nurturing, there can be much fruitage.

In the same manner that a plant requires soil, light, air and water, so the individual being drawn to God requires God’s power, the ransom of his son, and the light of the scriptures. God assures the called of his power in John 1:12 where we read; "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Faith requires, however, a foundation, which is knowledge.

Seeking Knowledge of God

To the natural man, it is impossible to gain an accurate knowledge of God (1 Cor. 2:14). The Apostle Paul states in Romans 11:33, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" But the drawing power of God nurtures the called one to an ever increasing understanding of God’s character, his plans, and his purposes. This must be based on the scriptures as stated in Matthew 22:29: "Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God."

Even in the neophyte follower being drawn to God, this knowledge must have a transforming effect on both faith and conduct. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (Rom. 8:13). Over time, if the seeker’s heart condition and abilities are right, the Lord will permit circumstances for further testing and fruitage.

The Church’s Role in the Drawing

The church plays a special part in the drawing power of God. This is exercised in both witnessing to the world and laying forth the truth as ambassadors for Christ. This work is detailed in Acts 26:16, 18 where we read, "for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee. …To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." It has been the privilege of the church throughout the Gospel age to be able ambassadors for the witness of truth and light. Not by word alone, but also by the example of being living epistles for Christ.

The importance of providing for both the consecrated flock and the infants in the faith was clearly illustrated by Jesus when he instructed the Apostle Peter three times to feed his flock. The admonition was given first to "Feed my lambs" followed by two repetitions to "Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17). This is a triple confirmation of the importance of providing spiritual food for the Lord’s flock, both the little lambs and the mature of the fold. It may involve tailoring activities and lessons specifically to the immature for their growth and edification. But both feedings are a directive to those serving the church.

God’s Will In the Drawing

As the divine economist, fruitage has always been the focus of the drawing power of God. We are assured by him that his word would not return unto him void. But fruitage requires that certain conditions be met. First is the comprehension and acknowledgment of one’s fallen and sinful condition as a member of Adam’s family. Then, a belief in God and the ransom paid by the sacrifice of his only begotten son. Finally, a consecration vow must be made to give up all one has and do the will of God unto death. With the realization, dedication, and declaration of these facts, the seed of the fruitage that God requires can be set in motion. Attaining this developmental state is the consummation of the drawing power of God and the beginning of the adoption of the "new creature" into the family of God.

We have seen that the hand of God, through the wonders of his creation, makes man aware of his power (Rom. 1:20). For those with the proper heart condition and potential, his power provides circumstances to touch their hearts that they may be drawn to him. For a few, this fosters an infant faith which draws them to seek a knowledge of God based on the truth laid forth in the Scriptures.

The followers of Christ have a special role in first witnessing to those who are seeking God, and then in nurturing those seeking truth and righteousness into a knowledge and appreciation of God’s plan.

Finally, the drawing power of God is complete when the called ones acknowledge their sin-sick and fallen condition, confirm their belief in Christ’s robe of righteousness covering their sins, and dedicate their lives in consecration to the Lord. This is a marvelous thing as the Apostle Paul declared in Romans 5:1, 2, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."